DETROIT – It's one of those comedies that stick with you for a while, like "Step Brothers" or "Superbad," but don't be fooled, "Neighbors" offers audiences a fresh take on an original story.
Starring Seth Rogen and Zac Efron, "Neighbors" tells a story about a young married couple whose infant daughter has driven them to the suburbs. Everything seems to be perfect for them in their new home, that is until the house next door is taken over by the Delta Psi Beta fraternity, led by president Teddy (Zac Efron) and his much smarter vice president, Pete (Dave Franco). It then turns into a war between neighbors that can only be described as hilariously intriguing.
Recommended Videos
In what appears to be a break-out role for Zac Efron, perhaps comparable to Channing Tatum's role in "21 Jump Street," Efron gives the most credible performance of his career. Rogen delivers a classic "Rogen" performance, with authentic humor and lots of weed jokes.
The movie itself is filled with hilarious gags that I myself have never seen in a movie before, and maybe at times a bit ridiculous. That's what lets this movie sit alone as a comedy: the refreshing nature of the humor. But what really pulls this movie together is the relationship of Mac (Seth Rogen) and his wife Kelly (Rose Byrne). The on-screen couple give a relatable performance to any couple making a change in their life.
The flick is filled with cameo performances including Lisa Kudrow, Hannibal Buress and Jason Mantzoukas, and has a solid supporting cast including Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad), Dave Franco, and Ike Barinholtz.
All in all - is "Neighbors" a cinematic masterpiece? No. Is it the best comedy of the decade? Probably not. Will it have you laughing for the entire movie? If you have a sense of humor, then yes. Any lover of comedy should see this movie. And for Pete's sake, Seth Rogen, put on a shirt!
"Neighbors" hits theaters everywhere May 9th.
RATING: 4.3 OUT OF 5
25419640